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I'm looking for recommendations on a dedicated autocross and track wheel/tire combo for a 335is Coupe. Stock size is 225/40ZR18 on 18x8 ET:34 front, 255/35ZR18 on 18x8.5 ET:37 rear.

I want a square setup for maximum use of the tires (rotation, swapping side to side, etc.), 18" instead of 19" for the weight and cost difference, relatively lightweight wheels but durable enough for autocross/track use, and something that won't break the bank. The tires must be at least 140 treadwear for local class rules (BMW CCA Turbo Stock).

The two tires that seem mostly likely are the Hankook Ventus R-S3 and the Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 (I have these on my S2000 and love them!). However the RE-11s are about $100 more per tire.

I've been told that 18x8.5 wheels will fit in front and the suggested tire size would be 235/40ZR18 or 255/35ZR18. Both of these tires come in both of these sizes.

Style is of relatively low importance, but I'd pay $10 or so more per wheel to get one that looked better than another, all other things considered equal. I also like the look of gloss or matte black wheels, particularly on a 335is, but that's a minor consideration, and usually more costly I've discovered.

What are your recommendations and please correct me if I've made any incorrect assumptions so far.

The two tires that seem mostly likely are the Hankook Ventus R-S3 and the Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 (I have these on my S2000 and love them!). However the RE-11s are about $100 more per tire.

I've been told that 18x8.5 wheels will fit in front and the suggested tire size would be 235/40ZR18 or 255/35ZR18. Both of these tires come in both of these sizes.

Hankook Ventus R-S3's are probably your best bang for the bucks. They are the cheapest out of all the "Extreme Performance" category tires. If you're willing to pay more, also look into the Dunlop Direzza Star Spec and Yokohama Neova AD08. I've had those Dunlops on my OEM wheels before, I went with 235/40 front and 255/35 rear instead. They worked great and lasted quite long for what I did (autox for one entire season, a few track days, and of course all those daily driven miles). Then last summer, I switched to a square setup with OEM 193M rear wheels and Yokohama Neova AD08 255/35 all around. There's no rubbing whatsoever in the front. The grip level is amazing. The wear rate on these should be similar to those Dunlops.

Hankook Ventus R-S3's are probably your best bang for the bucks. They are the cheapest out of all the "Extreme Performance" category tires. If you're willing to pay more, also look into the Dunlop Direzza Star Spec and Yokohama Neova AD08. I've had those Dunlops on my OEM wheels before, I went with 235/40 front and 255/35 rear instead. They worked great and lasted quite long for what I did (autox for one entire season, a few track days, and of course all those daily driven miles). Then last summer, I switched to a square setup with OEM 193M rear wheels and Yokohama Neova AD08 255/35 all around. There's no rubbing whatsoever in the front. The grip level is amazing. The wear rate on these should be similar to those Dunlops.

Great info, thanks! I'm now debating 9.0 vs. 8.5 with 255/35ZR18 all around.

I couldn't find these wheels in a 18x9 on Tire Rack, only 18x8 and 18x9.5. Are you saying you got both tires and wheels for under $1100?

Ya exactly that, normally the wheels are around 300 each and at the time tirerack was having a clearance sale. In order to get the 18x9 you would have to call them and see if they have any in stock left. Also yes bought the wheels and tires for $1,076.00 amazing deal especially for a 18x9 18.5lb for $149 and good quality. A lot of the E46 cars are running these rims and don't cost a fortune if you happen to damage them and look decent on the road.

Look at a set of 8.5x18 Square ET40 Anthracite OZ Allegeritas. I happen to have a perfect set for sale (not yet listed) if interested. They are good looking wheels! I bought them to track my car but decided I just don't have the time or $$s now...pm me if interested.

Today I swapped the front and rear wheels and tires so that I could test the fitment of the 18x8.5 ET37 stock Style 313 wheels and the stock Michelin PS2 ZP 255/35ZR18 tires on the front.

Then I drove down to a local school with a vacant parking lot and did a few laps, concentrating on some tight turns, and a few hard stops. I didn't feel any rubbing or bumping. The only time I heard any rubbing was when I had the wheel turned all the way to the left and backed up.

When I got home I turned the wheel full lock both right and left and discovered that on both sides with the front of the tire turned inward that I couldn't fit my index finger between the tire and the front of the fender well, right in front of the front side radiator grilles.

The Apex 18x8.5 wheels have a ET of 38 so compared to the stock rear wheels and tires mounted on the front the Apex wheel will move in 1mm with 1mm less clearance to the strut and 1mm more clearance from the fender lip.

18x8.5 seems to be a safe size, I'm wondering about the 18x9 ET42 which would put the wheel 11mm closer to the strut and 1mm closer to the fender lip.

Look at a set of 8.5x18 Square ET40 Anthracite OZ Allegeritas. I happen to have a perfect set for sale (not yet listed) if interested. They are good looking wheels! I bought them to track my car but decided I just don't have the time or $$s now...pm me if interested.

Flyer, this is another one of the wheels I looked at and was one of the top choices. I'm still not decided on 18x8.5 or 18x9.0. Not to question your integrity at all, but someone much more experienced in buying wheels than I am cautioned me never to buy used wheels, particularly sight unseen on the Internet. So while I appreciate your offer I'll have to respectfully pass.

The Apex 18x8.5 wheels have a ET of 38 so compared to the stock rear wheels and tires mounted on the front the Apex wheel will move in 1mm with 1mm less clearance to the strut and 1mm more clearance from the fender lip.

18x8.5 seems to be a safe size, I'm wondering about the 18x9 ET42 which would put the wheel 11mm closer to the strut and 1mm closer to the fender lip.

Flyer, this is another one of the wheels I looked at and was one of the top choices. I'm still not decided on 18x8.5 or 18x9.0. Not to question your integrity at all, but someone much more experienced in buying wheels than I am cautioned me never to buy used wheels, particularly sight unseen on the Internet. So while I appreciate your offer I'll have to respectfully pass.

No offense taken. While a lot of us have had good experiences buying and selling used wheels on this forum, unfortunately some have also been burned. Good luck with your search! Flyer

I e-mailed Apex and they are suggesting an 18x8.5 for my car to fit with no rubbing, no camber plates, and no fender rolling. I ordered them this morning and they shipped within a few hours! Thanks Eddy! And thanks to everyone else that provided input!

Great info in this thread, I just started basically the same thread haha I was "hoping" to run 18x9 wheels with 265/35 all the way around as a complete guess but it appears that won't fit. I am lowered a lot with more - camber than stock but nothing extreme. I wouldn't mind getting the fenders rolled but other than that I do track the car and I want it to fit without rubbing AT ALL.